VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Thermostat 160 vs 180

I'm looking to change my thermostat in my '37 PU. The Filling Station has a 160 degree and a 180 degree thermostat. Whick one is right for my truck?

I would go with the 160 degree thermostat.

I'm sure that JD's preference has merit.

One is that the engine will run cooler. Another is that the thermostat will start to open sooner. Another, is that if there is an overheating problem the heater will have more of an effect in helping hold the heat down.

On the other hand, if the cooling system is in good order, then the 180 would be my recommendation. Oil works better at 180 than it does at 160. it's best temperature is at around 190.

I've been running a 180 in my 41 and it runs at 180 going down the road. It goes up to just above 180 to around 183 if setting at an idle for some time, like at a long stoplight. Then when moving again drops back to 180 right away.

While 160 is just fine, 180 works for me. I think it is mainly a personal preference.

Note the temperature of modern car's engine. They are able to run at around the boiling point, if not for the pressure cap. Good for the oil and engine.

Charlie

The 180 stat is an optional stat for cold winter climates. Definitely go with the 160 to prevent overheating problems.

As always, thanks for all of the advice!!

"Definitely go with the 160 to prevent overheating problems."

Steve D,

Please explain the rational behind your statement.

Thanks,

Charlie

if you have a good cooling system I think 180 is best . it gets things a little hotter to evaporate moisture inside the engine . I used to be of the cooler is better school , but after reading and thinking , that's what I believe . frank

I put a 180 in my 32 that had a brand new FS core and the engine was recently rebuilt- hot tanked-cleaned of any rust or deposits. I think the heat rise (possibly because the engine was a fresh rebuild) was so fast that the stat could not open fast enough. As soon as it reached temp and opened it would push out the overflow and pin the gauge then the temp would drop a little, but not where I liked it. With the 160 stat I had no problems of overheating and the gauge ran in the normal zone. I would rather have it a little too cool than a little too hot. The more modern cars with pressurized systems can handle the higher temps and I'm guessing that 220 is "normal".

The 1937 cooling system is not designed to handle a 180 thermostat. While the 180 would be desireable in cold winter driving the 160 is a good all around choice for summer or warm weather. With a 180 running a 55/50 antifreeze mxture to raise the boling point
will be a must because the constant temperature will be so close to the 212 boling point. The 1937-1940 engines tended to run "hot" and you will probably puke out coolasnt when shutting of the engine after a hard drive with the 180....or install and overflow tank.
Moisture in the oil should be no problem in warm weather dring.

The 180 thermostat will not cause the 1937 to overheat just by itself. The thermostat will be fully open at 180 degrees and well below the boiling point. Some 32 degrees below, actually, at sea level. Did I forget all those lofty mountains in LA? The cooling system on a 1937 is quite adequate to handle the 180.

This, in my opinion, badmouthing the 180 is merely smoke and mirrors and old wives tales. If a 1937 is going to boil-over (overheat) with a 180 thermostat then it will with a 160 one, as well. Just my opinion. In other words, there must be something that brings the temperature to the boiling point. It's not the fault of thermostat unless it is defective.

All things being okay, the car with the 160 thermostat will run a temperature of 160 degrees and the 180 thermostat will cause it to run at 180 degrees. 180 is better.

Camile, who asked the question lives in Louisiana. The highest point is no more than 10 feet or so. Wasn't Camile the name of a hurricane?

Any old 216 topped off cold to the top of the upper tank will discharge some water from expansion owing to heat. The amount difference from 160 to 180 will be insignificant.

Ok, somebody else's turn.

Charlie

Hum.......have you been sniffing that Ethanol stuff again Charlie?

Having dealt with that same thermostat issue before I will agree with Gene.

I would go 180 , better mileage, cleaner engine, hotter heater, if your cooling system is in good shape you will be OK.IMHO

For just going down the road the 180 will be fine. In hot weather my 1939 runs at 180 deg or a little higher anyway. The 160 leaves a little cushion so the engine doesn,t cook over as soon and allows a little more time to take precautions should the need arise.
Several times crossed Nebraska in 100 Deg weather with the '39 with the needle on the 200 mark....under that condition the 180 would have had no effect..

Yes Camile was a Hurricane. Lol. They are only $6.50 so I ordered both and I'll see how it goes. Thanks to everyone for sharing advice.

You can buy them at the local parts store....they fit Chevrolets up into the '90's.

I would recommend getting Stant superstat. They have a bleed valve in them and are much better quality than the cheap thermostats.

I have a 180 degree thermostat in my 37,it does have a 57 235 and I had the radiator recored as a 4 row if that makes any differance. It will idle all day and not go much higher then 180.

JUST OVER THE RIVER HERE IN MISSISSIPPI; I use the 160 degree thermostat. It is hot enough down here in the South not to need that 180 do-dad....youall.

And in Minnesota I use the 160 degree with great results. Don't drive it in the winter as long as I got the snowmobile.